STAT3-Dependent Effects of Polymeric Immunoglobulin Receptor in Regulating Interleukin-17 Signaling and Preventing Autoimmune Hepatitis

One-third of patients with autoimmune hepatitis(AIH)have cirrhosis at the time of diagnosis.The relevance of these variables,although unknown,is believed to be critical in AIH because of suspected interactions between the gut microbiome and genetic factors.Dysbiosis of the gut flora and elevated polymeric immunoglobulin receptor(pIgR)levels have been observed in both patients and mouse models.Moreover,there is a direct relationship between pIgR expression and transaminase levels in patients with AIH.In this study,we aimed to explore how pIgR influences the secretion of regenerating islet-derived 3 beta(Reg3b)and the flora composition in AIH using in vivo experiments involving patients with AIH and a concanavalin A-induced mouse model of AIH.Reg3b expression was reduced in pIgR gene(Pigr)-knockout mice compared to that in wild-type mice,leading to increased microbiota disruption.Conversely,exogenous pIgR supplementation increased Reg3b expression and maintained microbiota homeostasis.RNA sequencing revealed the participation of the interleukin(IL)-17 signaling pathway in the regulation of Reg3b through pIgR.Furthermore,the introduction of external pIgR could not restore the imbalance in gut microbiota in AIH,and the decrease in Reg3b expression was not apparent following the inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3).In this study,pIgR facilitated the upregulation of Reg3b via the STAT3 pathway,which plays a crucial role in preserving the balance of the intestinal microbiota in AIH.Through this research,we discovered new molecular targets that can be used for the diagnosis and treatment of AIH.

Bile acids inhibit ferroptosis sensitivity through activating farnesoid X receptor in gastric cancer cells

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is associated with high mortality rates.Bile acids(BAs)reflux is a well-known risk factor for GC,but the specific mechanism remains unclear.During GC development in both humans and animals,BAs serve as signaling molecules that induce metabolic reprogramming.This confers additional cancer phenotypes,including ferroptosis sensitivity.Ferroptosis is a novel mode of cell death characterized by lipid peroxidation that contributes universally to malignant progression.However,it is not fully defined if BAs can influence GC progression by modulating ferroptosis.AIM To reveal the mechanism of BAs regulation in ferroptosis of GC cells.METHODS In this study,we treated GC cells with various stimuli and evaluated the effect of BAs on the sensitivity to ferroptosis.We used gain and loss of function assays to examine the impacts of farnesoid X receptor(FXR)and BTB and CNC homology 1(BACH1)overexpression and knockdown to obtain further insights into the molecular mechanism involved.RESULTS Our data suggested that BAs could reverse erastin-induced ferroptosis in GC cells.This effect correlated with increased glutathione(GSH)concentrations,a reduced GSH to oxidized GSH ratio,and higher GSH peroxidase 4(GPX4)expression levels.Subsequently,we confirmed that BAs exerted these effects by activating FXR,which markedly increased the expression of GSH synthetase and GPX4.Notably,BACH1 was detected as an essential intermediate molecule in the promotion of GSH synthesis by BAs and FXR.Finally,our results suggested that FXR could significantly promote GC cell proliferation,which may be closely related to its anti-ferroptosis effect.CONCLUSION This study revealed for the first time that BAs could inhibit ferroptosis sensitivity through the FXR-BACH1-GSHGPX4 axis in GC cells.This work provided new insights into the mechanism associated with BA-mediated promotion of GC and may help identify potential therapeutic targets for GC patients with BAs reflux.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma inhibits hepatic fibrosis in rats

BACKGROUND:Hepatic fibrosis is a necessary step in the development of hepatic cirrhosis.In this study we used lentiviral vector-mediated transfection technology to evaluate the effect of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(PPAR-γ) on rat hepatic fibrosis. METHODS:Hepatic fibrosis in rats was induced by CCl4 for 2 weeks(early fibrosis)and 8 weeks(sustained fibrosis).The rats were randomly divided into four groups:normal control, fibrosis,blank vector,and PPAR-γ.They were infected with the recombinant lentiviral expression vector carrying the rat PPAR-γgene by portal vein injection.The liver of the rats was examined histologically and hydroxyproline was assessed.In vitro primary hepatic stellate cells(HSCs)were infected with the recombinant lentiviral expression vector carrying the rat PPAR-γgene.The status of HSC proliferation was measured by the MTT assay.The protein levels of PPAR-γ,α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)and type I collagen expression were evaluated by the Western blotting method. RESULTS:In vitro studies revealed that expression of PPAR-γ inhibited expression ofα-SMA and type I collagen in activated HSCs(P<0.01)as well as HSC proliferation(P<0.01).In vivo experiments indicated that in the early hepatic fibrosis group,the hydroxyproline content and the level of collagen I protein in the liver in the PPAR-γtransfected group were not significantly different compared to the hepatic fibrosis group and the blank vector group;whereas the expressions of PPAR-γ andα-SMA were different compared to the hepatic fibrosis group(P<0.01).In the sustained hepatic fibrosis group,there were significant differences in the hydroxyproline content and the expression of PPAR-γ,α-SMA,and type I collagen between each group.CONCLUSION:PPAR-γcan inhibit HSC proliferation and hepatic fibrosis,and suppressα-SMA and type I collagen expression.

Bile-acid-activated farnesoid X receptor regulates hydrogen sulfide production and hepatic microcirculation

AIM: To investigate whether the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) regulates expression of liver cystathionase (CSE), a gene involved in hydrogen sulfi de (H2S) generation. METHODS: The regulation of CSE expression in response to FXR ligands was evaluated in HepG2 cells and in wild-type and FXR null mice treated with 6-ethyl chenodeoxycholic acid (6E-CDCA), a synthetic FXR ligand. The analysis demonstrated an FXR responsive element in the 5'-flanking region of the human CSE gene. The function of this site was investigated by luciferase reporter assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Livers obtained from rats treated with carbon tetrachloride alone, or in combination with 6-ethyl chenodeoxycholic acid, were studied for hydrogen sulphide generation and portal pressure measurement. RESULTS: Liver expression of CSE is regulated by bile acids by means of an FXR-mediated mechanism. Western blotting, qualitative and quantitative polymerase chain reaction, as well as immunohistochemical analysis, showed that expression of CSE in HepG2 cells and in mice is induced by treatment with an FXR ligand. Administration of 6E-CDCA to carbon tetrachloride treated rats protected against the down-regulation of CSE expression, increased H2S generation, reduced portal pressure and attenuated the endothelial dysfunction of isolated and perfused cirrhotic rat livers. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that CSE is an FXR-regulated gene and provide a new molecular explanation for the pathophysiology of portal hypertension.

Hypoxia inducible factor 1α promotes interleukin-1 receptor antagonist expression during hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND Ischemia-reperfusion injury(IRI) is a major risk associated with liver surgery and transplantation,and its pathological mechanism is complex.Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist(IL-1ra) can protect the liver from IRI.However,the regulatory mechanism of IL-1ra expression is still unclear.AIM To identify the mechanism that could protect the liver in the early stage of IRI.METHODS To screen the key genes in hepatic IRI,we performed RNA sequencing and gene enrichment analysis on liver tissue from mice with hepatic IRI.Subsequently,we verified the expression and effect of IL-1ra in hepatic IRI.We also used promoter mutagenesis and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay to search for the transcriptional regulatory sites of hypoxia-inducible factor(HIF)-1α.Finally,to explore the protective mechanism of ischemic preconditioning(IP),we examined the expression of HIF-1α and IL-1ra after IP.RESULTS We identified IL-1ra as a key regulator in hepatic IRI.The expression of IL-1ra was significantly upregulated after hepatic IRI both in vivo and in vitro.Furthermore,we found that HIF-1αregulated Il-1ra transcription in response to hypoxia.Increased HIF-1α accumulation promoted IL-1ra expression,whereas inhibition of HIF-1α exhibited the opposite effect.We also confirmed a predominant role for hypoxia response element in the regulation of Il1ra transcription by HIF-1αactivation.Of note,we demonstrated that IP protects against hepatic IRI by inducing IL-1ra expression,which is mediated through HIF-1α.CONCLUSION We demonstrated that ischemia or hypoxia leads to increased expression of IL-1ra through HIF-1α.Importantly,IP protects the liver from IRI via the HIF-1α–IL-1ra pathway.

SIMULTANEOUS OVER-EXPRESSION OF INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR- Ⅱ (IGF- Ⅱ ) AND IGF- Ⅱ RECEPTOR(IGF- Ⅱ R) GENES IN HUMAN PRIMARY CANCER-IMPLICATION OF AUTOCRINE AND PARACRINE MECHANISM IN AUTONOMOUS GROWTH OF HEPATIC CANCER

This is first report about the simultaneous over-expression of both Insulin-like growth factor (IGF- I ) and its receptor (IGF- I R) at mRNA level in human primary hepatic Cancer (PHC). In 10 PHC samples from China, IGF-I and IGF- I R were both over-expressed, whereas only a background signal was detected in normal liver. In 5 pairs of PHC and its non- tumorous adjacent liver tissues from South Africa, IGF- I and IGF- I R were also over-expressed in PHC. mRNA expression of IGF- I in all 5 cases and IGF- I R in 4 of 5 cases were higher in cancer than non- tumorous adjacent liver tissues. These results strongly implicate that an autocrine and/ or paracrine mechanism might be Involved in formation and progression of PHC.

Effect of ligand of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ on the biological characters of hepatic stellate cells

AIM: To study the effect of rosiglitazone, which is a ligand of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), on the expression of PPARγ in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and on the biological characteristics of HSCs.METHODS: The activated HSCs were divided into three groups: control group, 3 μmol/L rosiglitazone group, and 10 μmol/L rosiglitazone group. The expression of PPARγ,α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and type Ⅰ and Ⅲ collagen was detected by RT-PCR, Western blot and immunocytochemical staining, respectively. Cell proliferation was determined with methylthiazolyltetrazolium (MTT) colorimetric assay. Cell apoptosis was demonstrated with flow cytometry.RESULTS: The expression of PPARγ at mRNA and protein level markedly increased in HSCs of 10 μmol/L rosiglitazone group (tvalue was 10.870 and 4.627 respectively, P<0.01in both). The proliferation of HSCs in 10 μmol/L rosiglitazone group decreased significantly (t = 5.542, P<0.01), α-SMA expression level and type Ⅰ collagen synthesis ability were also reduced vs controls (tvalue= 10.256 and 14.627respectively, P<0.01 in both). The apoptotic rate of HSCs significantly increased in 10 μmol/L rosiglitazone group vs control (x2= 16.682, P<0.01).CONCLUSION: By increasing expression of PPARγ in activated HSCs, rosiglitazone, an agonist of PPARγ,decreases α-SMA expression and type Ⅰ collagen synthesis,inhibits cell proliferation, and induces cell apoptosis.

Novel insights into the effect of Xiaoyao san on corticosterone-induced hepatic steatosis:inhibition of glucocorticoid receptor/perilipin-2 signaling pathway

Objective:Xiaoyao san(XYS)is a classic traditional Chinese medicinal formula.It has been clinically administered to regulate liver function.However,its mechanisms in glucocorticoid-induced hepatic steatosis are unknown.This study aimed to investigate whether XYS protects against corticosterone(CORT)-induced hepatic steatosis,and to explore its mechanism.Methods:High-fat diet mice induced with hepatic steatosis by 2mg/kg CORT were administered 2.56 g/kg or 5.12 g/kg XYS daily for 7 weeks.The effects of XYS on hepatic steatosis in mice were evaluated by H&E and Oil Red O staining and by measuring their plasma lipids(triglyceride,total cholesterol,and free fatty acids).The mechanism of XYS against hepatic steatosis was investigated by network pharmacology,immunohistochemistry,western blotting,and gain-of-function/loss-offunction experiments.Results:XYS alleviated CORT-induced steatosis,decreased plasma lipids,and inhibited glucocorticoid receptor(GR)activation in the liver.Network pharmacology data indicated that XYS may have mitigated hepatic steatosis via GR which mediated adipose differentiation-related protein(ADFP).Gain-of-function/loss-of-function experiments in vitro confirmed that GR positively regulated ADFP expression.Conclusions:XYS ameliorated CORT-induced hepatic steatosis by downregulating the GR/ADFP axis and inhibiting lipid metabolism.Our studies implicate that XYS is promising as a therapy for CORT-induced hepatic steatosis,and lay the foundation for designing novel prophylactic and therapeutic strategies on CORT-induced hepatic steatosis.

Intrahepatic expression of genes related to metabotropic receptors in chronic hepatitis

AIM:To screen for genes related to metabotropic receptors that might be involved in the development of chronic hepatitis.METHODS:Assessment of 20 genes associated with metabotropic receptors was performed in liver specimens obtained by punch biopsy from 12 patients with autoimmune and chronic hepatitis type B and C.For this purpose,a microarray with low integrity grade and with oligonucleotide DNA probes complementary to target transcripts was used.Evaluation of gene expression was performed in relation to transcript level,correlation between samples and grouping of clinical parameters used in chronic hepatitis assessment.Clinical markers of chronic hepatitis included alanine and aspartate aminotransferase,-glutamyltranspeptidase,alkaline phosphatase and cholinesterase activity,levels of iron ions,total cholesterol,triglycerides,albumin,glucose,hemoglobin,platelets,histological analysis of inflammatory and necrotic status,fibrosis according to METAVIR score,steatosis,as well as anthropometric body mass index,waist/hip index,percentage of adipose tissue and liver size in ultrasound examination.Gender,age,concomitant diseases and drugs were also taken into account.Validation of oligonucleotide microarray gene expression results was done with the use of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR).RESULTS:The highest(0.002 < P < 0.046) expression among genes encoding main components of metabotropic receptor pathways,such as the α subunit of G-coupled protein,phosphoinositol-dependent protein kinase or arrestin was comparable to that of angiotensinogen synthesized in the liver.Carcinogenesis suppressor genes,such as chemokine ligand 4,transcription factor early growth response protein 1 and lysophosphatidic acid receptor,were characterized by the lowest expression(0.002 < P < 0.046),while the factor potentially triggering hepatic cancer,transcription factor JUN-B,had a 20-fold higher expression.The correlation between expression of genes of protein kinases PDPK1,phosphoinositide 3-kinase and protein kinase A(Spearman's coefficient range:0.762-0.769) confirmed a functional link between these enzymes.Gender(P = 0.0046) and inflammation severity,measured by alanine aminotransferase activity(P = 0.035),were characterized by diverse metabotropic receptor gene expression patterns.The Pearson's coefficient ranging from-0.35 to 0.99 from the results of qRT-PCR and microarray indicated that qRT-PCR had certain limitations as a validation tool for oligonucleotide microarray studies.CONCLUSION:A microarray-based analysis of hepatocyte metabotropic G-protein-related gene expression can reveal the molecular basis of chronic hepatitis.

P2X7 receptor inhibitor suppressed extracellular ATP/LPS-primed human hepatic stellate cells activation via downregulating NLRP3 inflammasome

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of P2X7receptor(P2X7r)inhibition,using a specific inhibitor(A438079)to prevent the development of liver fibrosis on human hepatic stellate cells,LX-2.METHODS The supernatant from lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 mouse macrophages was supplemented to LX-2 cells for 24 h.LX-2cells were primed with LPS for 4h and subsequently stimulated for 30 min with 3mmol·L-1 of adenosine 5′-triphosphate(ATP).A438079(10μmol·L-1)was supplemented to LX-2 cells 10 min prior to ATP.RESULTS Directly treated with LPS on LX-2 cells,mRNA expressions of IL-1β,IL-18 and IL-6 were increased,as well as P2X7 r.And caspase-1,ASC and NLRP3 mRNA expressions were increased with LPS stimulation.LPS stimulation also increasedα-SMA and collagenⅠ mRNA expressions.Interestingly treatment of LX-2cells with mediums from LPS-primed RAW264.7mouse macrophages exhibited greater increase of mRNA expressions of above genes than those in LX-2directly treated with LPS.Pretreatment of directly or indirectly LPS-stimulated LX-2 cells with A438079 both suppressed IL-1βmRNA expression.In addition treatment of LPS-primed LX-2 cells with 3mmol·L-1 ATP induced the significant increase of IL-1β,IL-6,caspase-1,pannexin-1,α-SMA and collagenⅠ mRNA expression,the increasing ofα-SMA protein expression and cleavage of IL-1β.These events were significantly suppressed by pretreatment with P2X7 rantagonist A438079.P2X7 rblockade also significantly reduced the protein expression ofα-SMA.CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the involvement of the P2X7r-NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in the secretion of IL-1βfrom extracellular ATP/LPS-stimulated human hepatic stellate cells.This study demonstrated that repression of the P2X7 rrepresents a novel potential therapeutic approach to control liver fibrosis.

An Experimental Study on Somatostatin Receptors in the Brains of Hepatic Encephaiopathy Rats

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of somatostatin (SS) receptor,a brain-gut peptide receptor which is capable of inhibiting central neurons, on the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE).By means of radioligand binding assay, SS receptors in crude synaptosomal membrane of rat brains were investigated in a rat model of HE induced by partial hepatectomy following carbon tetrachloride intoxication and in controls. Binding to SS receptor was studied using125 I-SS as radiolgand Scatchard analysis of binding data was linear, yielding a dissociation constant (Kd) of 3.99 ±0.22 nmol/L and a maximal binding capacity (Bmax) of 238± 14.2 fmol/mg of protein in HE rats.Only increased Bmax values were observed (P< 0.005),while the Kd values were statistically unchanged (P>0.50),in HE rats as compared with those in controls.The results suggest that the changes of SS receptors in brains play a significant role in the pathogenesis of HE.The mechanism of HE induced by the alterations of SS receptors in the brains was discussed in this paper.

Increased hepatic expression of insulin-like growth factor-Ⅰreceptor in chronic hepatitis C

瞄准：尽管增加像胰岛素的生长因素 -- 我受体(IGF 红外) 基因表示在肝细胞癌被报导了，在长期的丙肝(CHC ) 估计 IGF 红外的研究和肝硬化是少见的。我们因此试图与 CHC 从病人在肝评估 IGF 红外和 IGF-I mRNA 表示。方法：IGF 红外和 IGF-I mRNA 内容被半量的 RT-PCR 决定， IGF 红外蛋白质表示由在以前与 CHC 从病人获得的肝的织物(34 个病人) 并且在以后的 immunohisto 化学是坚定的(10 个病人) 有 interferon-alpha 和 ribavirin 的治疗。结果：IGF 红外 mRNA 内容的增加在从所有 CHC 病人以及从与正常的肝相比跟随 orthopic 移植(评估正常的肝的一次尝试) 的 6 个尸体肝施主获得的肝的织物被观察，当没有相关修正在 IGF-I mRNA 内容被检测时。组织化学的结果显示出的免疫在 IGF 红外 mRNA 的加薪满足，这与 ductular 反应并且到在 hepatocytes 的增加的 IGF 红外表示相关。在 IGF 红外 mRNA 内容的减少在在治疗以后完成了持续 virological 反应的病人被观察，建议处于肝的损坏的改进。结论：在有 CHC 的病人的 hepatocytes 的 IGF 红外表示的起来规定能组成一次尝试刺激 hepatocyte 新生。考虑到那个肝是有 IGF-I 的高水平的机关，我们在尖锐、长期的肝的损坏以后发现增加的 IGF 红外表示加亮需要让另外的研究阐明在肝的 IGF-I 的角色新生。

UP-REGULATION OF HEPATIC RECEPTOR FOR GROWTH HORMONE IN THE FLOUNDER ( PARALICHTHYS OLIVACEUS ) AFTER ORAL ADMINISTRATION WITH EXOGENOUS GH

The iodination efficiency of salmon GH(sGH) was 38.82%,using a modification of the chloramine T method. The specific activity of the 125 I sGH was about 40 μCi/μg protein. The results of binding assay showed a single class of high affinity and low capacity binding site in flounder liver. Long term administration with exogenous GH can induce the up regulation of hepatic GH receptor in total binding capacity though there was no significant difference of association constant among any groups. Considering that there was no significant difference in capacity of free binding sites of livers from control and experimental fish, this result also indicated that the liver from experimental fish, compared to that from control fish, had more occupied binding sites.

Expression of Toll-like Receptor 2/4 on Alveolar Macrophage in the Model of Total Hepatic Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Mice

客观：在鼠标在全部的肝的局部缺血的进程期间在牙槽的巨噬细胞探索像使用费的受体 2/4 的表达式和意思。方法：BALB/c 老鼠在全部的肝的 ischemia/reperfusion 的一个模型被使用。牙槽的巨噬细胞被 bronchoalveolar 洗室年龄(BAL ) 的工具在 1h， 6h 和 12h 的时间点收集，并且它的 TLR2/4 mRNA 和蛋白质与流动血细胞计数和实时 PCR 被检测。在 BAL 液体的 TNF 的水平我们 remeasured。军邮局的集中，比率湿 / 干燥并且肺组织学的分数被用来估计肺损害的度。结果：在肝的 ischemiareperfusion 的三个次点， TLR2/4 蛋白质和 mRNA 的表示是起来调整的并且在上升的 TLR2was 的水平不断地。TLR4 在 6 h 的时候到达了山峰价值(P 【 0.01 ) 。在 BAL 液体的水平 ofTNF-2 在 6 h 的时候到达了最高的点(P 【 0.01 ) 。wet/dryrose 的比率不断地在肝的局部缺血灌注期间。在 1 h 以后，军邮局的水平很快增加了。然后，它在 6 h 的时期期间到达了山峰价值到 12 h。结论：牙槽的巨噬细胞的老鼠上的 TLR2/4 在肝的 ischemia/reperfusion 的过程被激活并且在肺的损害包含了。

TET2重塑CXCR4 DNA甲基化对急性心肌梗死小鼠心肌组织自噬、炎症反应及凋亡的影响

目的:探究急性心肌梗死(AMI)过程中内皮细胞tet甲基胞嘧啶双加氧酶2(TET2)对趋化因子受体4(CXCR4)DNA甲基化的影响以及对AMI小鼠心肌组织自噬、炎症反应及组织细胞凋亡的影响机制,为临床探究AMI发展的分子机制提供理论依据。方法:8周龄雄性C57/BL6小鼠50只,制备AMI模型,尾部注射TET2、CXCR4过表达质粒;蛋白免疫印迹(Western Blot)法检测心肌组织TET2、CXCR4、微管相关蛋白3(LC3)、P62、B细胞淋巴瘤/白血病-2基因(Bcl-2)关联X蛋白(Bax)、半胱氨酸蛋白酶3(Caspase-3)、Bcl-2表达;甲基化检测CXCR4 DNA甲基化水平;酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测心肌组织内炎性因子白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)水平;原位末端转移酶标记技术(TUNEL)检测各组心肌组织细胞凋亡指数。结果:与假手术组比较,模型组心肌组织内TET2、CXCR4均表达上调,TET2、CXCR4均在心肌组织内过表达,TET2过表达促进CXCR4表达,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);与模型组比较,TET2 mimic组CXCR4启动子区域DNA甲基化程度降低,CXCR4蛋白表达升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);与假手术组比较,模型组小鼠心肌组织自噬蛋白LC3、抑制细胞凋亡蛋白Bcl-2表达下调,炎性因子IL-6、TNF-α、IL-1β水平、自噬蛋白P62、促细胞凋亡蛋白Bax、cleaved Caspase-3表达上调,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);TET2、CXCR4过表达进一步下调LC3、Bcl-2蛋白表达,上调炎性因子IL-6、TNF-α、IL-1β水平,P62、Bax、cleaved Caspase-3蛋白表达;TET2、CXCR4二者联合体现出最低LC3、Bcl-2蛋白表达,最高炎性因子IL-6、TNF-α、IL-1β水平以及P62、Bax、cleaved Caspase-3蛋白表达,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:AMI发展中,TET2通过降低CXCR4 DNA甲基化,促进CXCR4基因表达,进而抑制AMI小鼠心肌组织自噬,上调炎症反应及细胞凋亡程度,促进疾病发展。

Association of vitamin D and polymorphisms of its receptor with antiviral therapy in pregnant women with hepatitis B

BACKGROUND The interruption of mother-to-child transmission(MTCT)is considered important to decrease the individual and population morbidity of hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection as well as the global burden of hepatitis B.Serum vitamin D(VD)is associated with hepatitis B.AIM To assess whether baseline VD levels and single nucleotide polymorphisms of the VD receptor gene(VDR SNPs)are associated with the efficacy of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate(TDF)in the prevention of MTCT in pregnant women with high HBV viral loads.METHODS Thirty-eight pregnant women who were at high risk for MTCT of HBV(those with an HBV DNA level≥2×10^(5)IU/mL during 12-24 wk of gestation)receiving antiviral therapy of TDF between June 1,2019 and June 30,2021 in Mianyang were included in this retrospective study.The women received 300 mg TDF once daily from gestational weeks 24-28 until 3 mo after delivery.To further characterize the clinical relevance of maternal serum HBV DNA levels,we stratified patients according to HBV DNA level as follows:Those with levels<2×10_(5)(full responder group)vs those levels≥2×10^(5)IU/mL(partial responder group)at delivery.Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D[25(OH)D],liver function markers,virological parameters,VDR SNPs and other clinical parameters were collected to analyze their association with the efficacy of TDF.The Mann-Whitney U test or t test was used to analyze the serum levels of 25(OH)D in different groups.Multiple linear regressions were utilized to analyze the determinants of the maternal HBV DNA level at delivery.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to explore the association of targeted antiviral effects with various characteristics at baseline and delivery.RESULTS A total of 38 pregnant women in Mianyang City at high risk for MTCT of HBV were enrolled in the study.The MTCT rate was 0%.No mother achieved hepatitis B e antigen or hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)clearance at delivery.Twenty-three(60.5%)participants were full responders,and 15(39.5%)participants were partial responders according to antiviral efficacy.The present study showed that a high percentage(76.3%)of pregnant women with high HBV viral loads had deficient(<20 ng/mL)or insufficient(≥20 but<31 ng/mL)VD levels.Serum 25(OH)D levels in partial responders appeared to be significantly lower than those in full responders both at baseline(25.44±9.42 vs 17.66±5.34 ng/mL,P=0.006)and delivery(26.76±8.59 vs 21.24±6.88 ng/mL,P=0.044).Serum 25(OH)D levels were negatively correlated with maternal HBV DNA levels[log(10)IU/mL]at delivery after TDF therapy(r=-0.345,P=0.034).In a multiple linear regression analysis,maternal HBV DNA levels were associated with baseline maternal serum 25(OH)D levels(P<0.0001,β=-0.446),BMI(P=0.03,β=-0.245),baseline maternal log10 HBsAg levels(P=0.05,β=0.285)and cholesterol levels at delivery(P=0.015,β=0.341).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that baseline serum 25(OH)D levels(OR=1.23,95%CI:1.04-1.44),maternal VDR Cdx2 TT(OR=0.09,95%CI:0.01-0.88)and cholesterol levels at delivery(OR=0.39,95%CI:0.17-0.87)were associated with targeted antiviral effects(maternal HBV DNA levels<2×10^(5) at delivery).CONCLUSION Maternal VD levels and VDR SNPs may be associated with the efficacy of antiviral therapy in pregnant women with high HBV viral loads.Future studies to evaluate the therapeutic value of VD and its analogs in reducing the MTCT of HBV may be justified.

Hepatitis B virus X protein-mediated upregulation of miR-221 activates the CXCL12-CXCR4 axis to promote NKT cells in HBVrelated hepatocellular carcinoma

Both hepatitis B virus X protein(HBx)and microRNA-221(miR-221)have been implicated in the development of hepatitis B virus(HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).The present study demonstrates that HBx promotes HCC cell proliferation via the C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12-C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4(CXCL12-CXCR4)axis.We predict that HBx/miR-221-mediated CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling induces NKT cells to promote HBV-related HCC.Methods:After miR-221 mimic,miR-221 mimic negative control,miR-221 inhibitor,miR-221 inhibitor negative control were transfected into cells,the expression of CXCL12 and miR-221 was detected by qPCR and western blot.Then we constructed a stable HBV-HCC cell line.HBV-HCC cells were injected into the nude mice,thus a HBV-HCC mouse model was constructed.Q-PCR and western blot were used to detect the expression of HBx,miR-221,CXCL12 and CXCR4 in tumor tissues.The expression of CXCL12 was detected by immunohistochemistry,and the expression of CXCR4,CD3 and CD56 was detected by immunofluorescence.The levels of CXCL12,IL-2 and TNF-αin serum of mice were detected by ELISA.Sixty-one patients with HBV-related HCC,61 patients with HBV-related cirrhosis,61 patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB)and 30 healthy people were enrolled.CXCL12,cytokine levels,and clinicopathological parameters were tested.Results:Hepatitis B virus X protein upregulates the expression of miR-221 and CXCL12 in lentivirus(LV5)-HBx-transfected HepG2 cells.HBx protein promotes HepG2 cell proliferation in vitro.HBx protein promoted tumor growth via the miR-221/CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway in a mouse tumor model.HBx protein upregulated natural killer T cell expression via the CXCR4/CXCL12 pathway to promote tumor growth.The data demonstrated a positive correlation between CXCL12 concentration with Cre levels and Child-Pugh scores.CXCL12 had an inferior diagnostic efficiency compared to IL-2 and IL-6 for HBV-related HCC.Conclusions:We present evidence that HBx/miR-221-mediated CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling induces NKT cells to promote HBV-related HCC.

Oxidative stress and antioxidants in hepatic pathogenesis

Long term hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major risk factor in pathogenesis of chronic liver diseases,including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HBV encod-ed proteins,hepatitis B virus X protein and preS,appear to contribute importantly to the pathogenesis of HCC. Both are associated with oxidative stress,which can damage cellular molecules like lipids,proteins,and DNA during chronic infection. Chronic alcohol use is another important factor that contributes to oxidative stress in the liver. Previous studies reported that treatment with antioxidants,such as curcumin,silymarin,green tea,and vitamins C and E,can protect DNA from damage and regulate liver pathogenesis-related cascades by reducing reactive oxygen species. This review summarizes some of the relationships between oxidative stress and liver pathogenesis,focusing upon HBV and alcohol,and suggests antioxidant therapeutic approaches.

Expression of insulin-like growth factor Ⅱ and its receptor in hepatocellular carcinogenesis

INTRODUCTIONInsulin-like growth factor Ⅱ(IGF-Ⅱ) is a mitogenic peptide of 74 kD and is mostly synthesized in fetal liver tissue .IGF-Ⅱ is believed to play an important role in fetal growth and development and is involved in cellular proliferation and differentiation[1-5]. Recently ,several researchers have reported increased expression of the IGF-Ⅱgene in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and adjacent non-cancerous liver tissues [6-10].

FXR agonist GW4064 alleviates endotoxin-induced hepatic inflammation by repressing macrophage activation

AIM:To examine the effect of farnesoid X receptor(FXR)activation by GW4064 on endotoxin-induced hepatic inflammation in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)and the underlying mechanism.METHODS:Six-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were fed a normal diet or a high-fat(HF)diet for 8 wk.HF dietfed mice were intraperitoneally injected with GW4064(30 mg/kg)or DMSO(vehicle)once daily for a week and then sacrificed after lipopolysaccharide(LPS,50μg/mouse)administration.Hepatic inflammation,levels of the macrophage marker F4/80,and apoptosis were measured at the end of the study.Additionally,the expression of proinflammatory genes involved in NAFLD(interleukin-6,interleukin-1β,interferon-γ,MCP-1)were analyzed by real-time PCR in the murine macrophagecell line RAW 264.7 cultured with or without GW4064(2μmol/L)before treatment with LPS.RESULTS:In patients with NAFLD,the expression of FXR was detected by immunohistochemical staining and the relation between FXR expression and NAFLD activity score(NAS)was analyzed.Activation of FXR by GW4064 alleviated hepatic inflammation induced by endotoxin in a murine NAFLD model fed an HF diet as reflected by reduced serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase.Apoptosis and proinflammatory cytokine levels in liver tissues were also reduced by GW4064,and GW4064 could reduce induction of proinflammatory cytokines by LPS in vitro.FXR levels were reduced in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis compared with healthy controls and were negatively correlated with NAS.CONCLUSION:FXR activation attenuates LPS-induced hepatic inflammation in murine NAFLD by reducing expression of proinflammatory cytokines in macrophages.